Looking for a healthy dessert that’s indulgent yet mindful? Say hello to Lab‑e‑Shireen, a beloved South Asian pudding bursting with colour, texture, and creamy sweetness. By making a few smart swaps—like using low‑fat milk, reducing sugar, and adding fresh fruits you can enjoy a lighter version of this classic, perfect for health‑aware UK households craving nutritious comfort desserts.
Why Lab‑e‑Shireen Makes the Perfect Healthy Dessert
Mindful Sweetness: Reducing sugar to ½ cup and using fruit‑based toppings keeps sweetness in check.
Milk‑Based Protein: Packed with calcium and protein, low‑fat milk supports bone health.
Fibre & Micronutrients: Bananas, fruit cocktail, and cham cham provide fibre, vitamins, and natural flavour.
Portion Control: A generous 900‑word post highlights moderation—a single serving is satisfying without excess.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
2 L low‑fat milk (or reconstituted made‑up milk powder)
5 tbsp banana custard powder
½ cup raw cane sugar (about 100 g; adjust taste)
2 tbsp red jelly powder
2 tbsp green jelly powder
½ cup coloured vermicelli, pre‑boiled and drained
1 small tin fruit cocktail, well‑drained
10 cham cham sweets, chopped and drained
4 ripe bananas, sliced
½ litre low‑fat vanilla ice cream (optional but adds texture)
Culinary Process
Prepare the Custard
Pour 2 L milk into a large saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. In a separate bowl, whisk banana custard powder with a little cold milk to make a smooth slurry. Once milk simmers, stir in sugar until dissolved, then add the custard slurry. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly—like a light custard consistency. Avoid overheating.
Make the Jellies
Dissolve each jelly powder in ¼ cup boiling water separately. Let the mixtures set until firm, then chop into small cubes.
Cook the Vermicelli
Add vermicelli to boiling water for 2 minutes, then turn off heat and leave covered for 10–15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let cool.
Combine All Elements
Allow the custard to cool to room temperature. Gently fold in sliced bananas, fruit cocktail, cham cham pieces, jelly cubes, and cooled vermicelli.
Add the Ice Cream
For a rich creaminess, blend in low‑fat vanilla ice cream. Stir until evenly distributed.
Chill Before Serving
Transfer mixture to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and blend flavours.
Nutritional Counts (Per Approximately 200 g Serving)
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 6 g (saturated fat ~3 g)
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Sugar: 22 g (mostly from fruit and dairy)
Fibre: 2 g
Calcium: ~25 % RDA
Sodium: 80 mg
Note: Swapping to sugar replacer or dairy‑free cream further tailors the nutritional profile.
Health Benefits
Calcium & Vitamin D from milk support strong bones
Potassium & Fibre from bananas aid digestion & hydration
Antioxidants in fruit cocktail protect heart health
Protein from ice cream/milk powder helps satiety
Reduced refined sugars align with UK wellness guidance
Why UK Audiences Will Love It
Low-Sugar Dessert Option: Compliant with UK sugar reduction initiatives
Colourful & Kid-Friendly: Nutrient-packed treat for families
Readily Available Ingredients: All items found in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda
Fusion Appeal: Offers novelty with health-conscious twist
Simple & Quick: Minimal cooking—ideal for afternoon prepping
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled in glass bowls with fresh mint or shaved dark chocolate
Pair with sugared cinnamon scones or no-added-sugar biscotti
As part of an Eid or Diwali dessert spread—fills the table with flair
Healthy dessert for kids’ birthday parties without heavy sugar load
Customisation Tips
Use Greek yogurt instead of ice cream to boost protein
Swap to agar agar jelly for vegetarian variation
Add chia seeds or oats for added texture & fibre
Replace banana custard with chia pudding for a healthier base
Final Thoughts
This Delightful Lab-e-Shireen reimagines a beloved traditional dessert as a nutrient-conscious, yet indulgent healthy dessert. With its creamy texture, vibrant fruits, and thoughtfully chosen ingredients, it offers a delightful balance of flavour and nutrition. Ideal for modern UK households seeking lighter dessert options, it caters perfectly to those embracing wellness without giving up on indulgence. Whether served as a stunning finale to a family dinner, a centrepiece at festive gatherings, or a sweet surprise at weekend brunches, Lab-e-Shireen adds both colour and joy to your table. It’s a delicious, feel-good treat that honours heritage while keeping health in mind. Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence—every spoonful is worth it!
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